BONTOC/IFUGAO SHAMANS BARK VESSEL
 
 
Shamans small Vessel Hardened Bark Body Woven Lid 
Ifugao possibly late19th century   
Exceptional workmanship in this unique ceremonial vessel.   The primary role of shamans were as  spirit mediums. They were intermediaries between the physical world and the spirit world due to their ability to influence and interact with the spirits   This remarkable vessel would be used to house the various paraphernalia and mysterious magical goods vital for their work such as sacred charms, herbs and potions. 
 
Price on Request
 
 
 
DIMENSION
H 4IN x W 2.75INH 10.16CM x W 6.985CM
 
PROVENANCE
Estate /  Phillipines / 1970 The vetted estate of this collector included many items from his various post through out Asia, The Pacific, S.E. Asia, Liberia and Ethiopia.     Francia, Luis H. (2013). A History of the Philippines:From Indios Bravos to Filipinos. The Overlook Press.      Scott, William Henry (1994). Barangay: Sixteenth-century Philippine Culture and Society. University of Hawaii Press   Stanyukovich, Maria V. "A Living Shamanistic Oral Tradition: Ifugao hudhud, the Philippines." Oral Tradition, vol. 18 no. 2, 2003  Project MUSE    
 
CONDITION
Museum QualitySlight
segment of top lip showing wear,
as seen in photosconsistant with the use
and age of this remarkable piece